Get a Neck Lift to Look Great While Video Chatting? Not For Me, Thanks.

Posted 04/24/12 at 01:53PM by Audrey Fine

My kids are at an age when they'll talk to any (and every) body on iChat or Face Time or whatever the latest computer/smart phone video chat program happens to be.

Me? I tried saying hi to my brother once when his kids "called" mine, but after catching a glimpse of myself in the little P.I.P. (picture-in-picture) box, I lowered my head, muttered a hurried "Got to go" and made a secret vow to never, EVER, video-chat again.

As I recall, one of the best parts about talking on the phone -- remember that antiquated device we used to pray would ring with some cute boy at the other end? -- was that you could talk to that cute boy in your PJs with a clay masque on and he'd be none-the-wiser. Everyone was a winner.

But, now with the advent of all this video chat craziness, you have to "worry" about looking like a troll while you chat with the boy, the girl, or whomever else. Thank goodness boys don't call me anymore.

Turns out that once again when it comes to modern thingamabobs, I may just be in the minority with my Victorian opinions. Here's the proof: I just read an article about a plastic surgeon who has invented a procedure that "aims to improve the way you look when video-chatting." Much as I'd like to say I'm making this up, I'm not.

If you don't like your double chin or wattle or anything else that bugs you as you chat, book an appointment with Robert Sigal, MD, in Northern Virginia and he'll hook you up.

Here's a little gem from a recent press release from the good doctor who says he first got the idea for the surgery when his wife bought the new iPhone 4.

"Patients come in with their iPhones and show me how they look on [Apple's video calling application] FaceTime. The angle at which the phone is held, with the caller looking downward into the camera, really captures any heaviness, fullness, and sagging of the face and neck. People say 'I never knew I looked like that! I need to do something!' I've started calling it the 'FaceTime Facelift' effect. And we've developed procedures to specifically address it."

You can watch the following video of Sigal to get more info, but tell me -- would you contemplate having this procedure? Am I completely off base here? Help me people!

I have no problem with these procedures if it makes you feel better. The one caveat here is that you find a good surgeon who is not doing unnecessary operations on people who are addicted to to plastic surgery. I had a girlfriend who went through a really nasty divorce in her 50s. She had a face lift done and the change in her self confidence was astounding. She has never looked back and has never felt the need to continue with other procedures.
dalegrove.com

I definitely agree with you... I would never consider having this procedure! I can't say I'm surprised, though. Many people overuse plastic surgeries, so it's just another step- and another opportunity for surgeons to make more money.